Herald News: Letters, April 5, 2013

Regarding "New Jersey roads in need of a rescue" (Our View, April 2), which described how the state has virtually no money left to repair its roads and bridges:

The state government has no one to blame for this failure except itself. It is unfortunate that this is a year in which the governor and the entire Legislature are on the ballot. It means that nothing constructive will be done to fix any problem. Raising the tax on gasoline would be political suicide, although it is needed to fund road repair.

There are a couple of other solutions, but they are less palatable. The first is to put bonding for road upkeep on the November ballot, although that probably would be doomed to failure.

Another option would be to stop all road maintenance and return to the gravel and mud roads of pre-World War II America. We can forget about bridges or tunnels and concentrate instead on ferries.

Raising the tax on gasoline is the best solution. The state also could take surplus generated by the state Motor Vehicle Commission and put it in the Transportation Trust Fund. Unfortunately, our lawmakers and governor are too busy running for their jobs to do their jobs.

As the editorial said, "The problem has more to do with a lack of will in Trenton."

Peter J. Peirano

Ridgewood

Freeholder and Legion

member will be missed

Regarding " ‘Dean’ of county politics dies at 94" (Our Towns, March 16):

My fellow Legionnaires and I will truly miss Walter Porter, a loyal post member and a true friend.

Walt was a charter member of our post. He was the driving force in keeping the post alive, in spite of the dwindling numbers, due to the passing of so many of our fellow World War II members. His passing will be deeply mourned by our membership and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Walt was an outstanding athlete at both Eastside and Central high schools, which was a unique situation. After high school, he entered the Army and earned an outstanding record for service to his country.

His dedicated and long-term service to the city of Paterson and Passaic County as a law enforcer, veterans advocate and a long-term freeholder will long be remembered. Walt was a blue-chip member of Tom Brokaw’s "greatest generation."

Walt Porter is a true legend, and legends never die. He will live on in the hearts of the many he served during his fruitful lifetime.